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Minister for Digital Development and Information, Ms Josephine Teo, highlighted the importance of tech-driven innovation at the Build for Good (BfG) Accelerator, focusing on how projects within the initiative align with broader goals at personal, organisational, and national levels.
Reflecting on the morning’s presentations, Ms Teo shared her personal connection with several BfG projects. For instance, the Coastal Clear project resonated with her experience during beach walks, emphasising its potential to optimise community beach cleanups through efficient site selection.
Likewise, Project Koel struck a chord due to her familiarity with Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) from her time at the Ministry of Transport. She recounted early discussions on tunnelling options beneath the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and noted the progress Project Koel represents in this domain.
The ReportLah! project also gained attention for its potential to improve public spaces, especially in her constituency of Jalan Besar, which is frequented by locals and international visitors alike. Ms Teo expressed hope that such innovations could enhance visitor experiences by addressing often-overlooked aspects like cleanliness in public areas.
SUSFeed was another initiative that connected with her interest in food waste management. The project’s focus on improving the processing of food waste aligns with ongoing efforts to recycle and repurpose resources. Lastly, she acknowledged the relevance of RemediSG in addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by migrant workers, especially in optimising the distribution of leftover medication.
Turning to the significance of these initiatives at the organisational level, Ms Teo emphasised the mission of the newly formed Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI), officially established on July 8, 2024. She noted that the choice of the ministry’s name underscores a focus beyond technology – it reflects a commitment to shaping solutions that directly benefit people and society.
MDDI’s philosophy is rooted in being a “best-in-class” developer, prioritising leadership in both thought and action, aligning development with meaningful societal outcomes, and fostering collaboration across diverse sectors.
In her view, being a best-in-class developer involves driving innovation that is not only resource-efficient but also ethically sound and widely beneficial. This is exemplified in the Build for Good Accelerator’s approach of bringing together stakeholders from various domains to co-create solutions that address real-world challenges.
Ms Teo also highlighted the importance of collective learning and knowledge-sharing, particularly in digital development and sustainability, areas where Singapore and many other nations are still in early stages. She pointed out that unlike traditional infrastructure development, digital innovation requires new frameworks, cooperation, and a willingness to contribute to a shared body of knowledge.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore’s Minister for Digital Development and Information, Ms Josephine Teo, reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to advancing technology responsibly, focusing on AI and quantum technology. She emphasised that since last year’s National AI Strategy 2.0, Singapore’s AI approach prioritises security, trust, and real-world impact.
As Singapore embarks on its next phase of digital development, initiatives like Build for Good will play a critical role in shaping the nation’s trajectory. The projects presented exemplify the ethos of leveraging technology for practical, meaningful benefits that improve daily life. In doing so, they reflect the ministry’s overarching goal: to cultivate a digitally advanced Singapore that prioritises societal well-being through responsible, human-centric innovation.
The Build for Good Accelerator provides structured support to help participants refine and scale their solutions. Ms Teo noted that it serves as proof that well-supported innovations can achieve significant, impactful results.
This accelerator’s success highlights the value of integrating technological advancement with collaborative efforts, positioning Singapore as a global leader in digital development while ensuring that progress serves the common good.
